Tim Cook He has been the face of Apple for more than a decade. since then Steve Jobs‘Departing in 2011, Cook led the technology company through some of its most revolutionary innovations. However, on April 20, 2026, the executive announced that he would step down as CEO this year.
Here’s what we know so far about Cook’s resignation as CEO and what his next move will be.
Why is Tim Cook stepping down as CEO of Apple?
In a statement shared in Apple’s press release, Cook said serving as CEO was its “greatest privilege.” [his] life” because “he is trusted to lead such an extraordinary company.”
He continued, “I love Apple with all my being, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with a team of genius, innovative, and creative people who care deeply and who are unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world.”
Longtime Apple CEO Tim Cook is stepping down from his position after transforming the company into a technology industry giant, handing the reins to veteran engineer John Ternos.
Here’s the advice Cook said he would give his successor.
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— Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) April 21, 2026
How long has Tim Cook been Apple’s CEO?
Cook served as Apple’s CEO for 15 years. He began his position in 2011 after Jobs stepped down.
How old is Tim Cook? His age
Cook is currently 65 years old.
Who will be the new CEO of Apple?
John Ternus He will be the new CEO of Apple. Cook credited his successor as “undoubtedly the right person to lead Apple into the future.”
“John Ternos has the mind of an engineer, the spirit of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and honor,” Cook said in a statement, according to Apple’s press release. “He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already many, and he is undoubtedly the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and character, and I look forward to working closely with him in this transformation and in my new role as CEO.”
Who is John Ternos?
Ternus is the Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Apple Inc., a position he has held since 2021. He has been with the company for more than 20 years, starting in 2001. He will officially become Apple’s CEO on September 1, 2026.
In a statement shared by Apple, Ternus said he was “deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue Apple’s mission forward.”
“Having spent most of my career at Apple, I was fortunate to work under Steve Jobs and to have Tim Cook as my mentor,” Ternos said. “It’s been an honor to help shape products and experiences that have dramatically changed the way we interact with the world and each other. I’m optimistic about what we can achieve in the years to come, and it makes me so happy to know that the most talented people on the planet are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any of us.”
Ternos also promised to “lead with the values and vision that have defined this special place for half a century.”
How old is John Ternus?
Ternos is currently 50 years old. He will turn 51 in May 2026.
